Tracks instal­led along former Islami­c State princi­pality­FALLUJAH: The newly revived railway between Baghdad and Fallujah snakes across the western Iraqi desert, through a landscape of burned-out tanks, abandoned cars and collapsed buildings. For the last month, Captain Imed Hassun has taken pride in once again driving the route between the capital and the former Islamic State group stronghold. But while happy to be back on this line, Hassun – clad in the marine blue and white uniform of Iraq’s railways – proceeds with caution. So far, he has successfully pushed his new Chinese-built diesel train to 100 kilometres per hour. Enormous work will be required to ensure trains once again reach Syria – or even Mosul, Iraq’s second city and another former Islamic State stronghold.

Source: The Express Tribune September 10, 2018 07:07 UTC